A letter from Libby Smith In response to Johann Hari's article suggests a "mutual" alternative to the current private equity funded model of care home provision: "Johann Hari's plan for improving the lives of elderly people in care homes is good, but how long do we think it'll take for government to put it into action? Another solution could be for residents to own and manage their own care homes by setting up peer-led social enterprises, co-ops, mutuals, etc. Groups of like-minded people could club together, buy their own property and employ the care, cleaning and cooking staff they need. They would choose how small or large their homes would be, who they live with, whether pets are allowed, etc. If they own the property, the costs would probably compare favourably with commercial care homes. But this would work better if people took the plunge before they actually needed care. As members die, their places would be bought by younger members, perhaps friends of existing members. And yes, people would deteriorate physically and mentally, but not all of them and not all at the same time. So people needing care would be surrounded by friends more able-bodied or able-minded, and some would have their spouses, reducing the need for care workers simply to watch over residents." Full text here: |